It has been a good year for AMD so far, with the
introduction of even faster 64bit processors with excellent performance
and still Intel hasn't managed to get out a 32/64bit compatible
processor. I have been using AMD based machines for the past 3 years
thanks to the improvements and strides AMD have been making in the
market and finally showing Intel that there can be competitors in the
market - and very good ones at that.

Leading-edge performance for today’s software, with complete readiness
for the coming wave of 64-bit computing

Outpace the technology curve with a technically superior PC processor,
packed with innovations such as
HyperTransport™ technology and an integrated
DDR memory controller

Capitalize on innovative
AMD64 technology to protect your IT investment and lower your overall
IT costs

AMD Athlon™ 64 Processor
Overview
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the first and only Windows®-compatible 64-bit
PC processor. The AMD Athlon 64 processor runs on AMD64, a revolutionary
technology that allows the processor to run 32-bit applications at full
speed while enabling a new generation of powerful 64-bit software applications.
Advanced 64-bit operating systems for the AMD64 platform from Microsoft®,
Red Hat, SuSE, and TurboLinux have already been announced, and they only
run on processors with AMD64 technology.

With the
introduction of the AMD Athlon 64 processor, AMD provides customers a solution
that can address their current and future computing needs. As the first
desktop PC processor to run on the AMD64 platform, the AMD Athlon 64 processor
helps ensure superior performance on today’s software with complete readiness
for the coming wave of 64-bit computing. With AMD64 technology, customers
can embrace the new capabilities of 64-bit computing on their own terms
and achieve compatibility with existing software and operating systems.

Enhanced Virus Protection with Windows
XP Service Pack 2
Enhanced virus protection is a feature of AMD64 technology. Security improvements
in Windows XP SP2 operating system take advantage of the enhanced virus
protection feature in AMD64 processors. Enhanced virus protection and Windows
XP SP2 are designed to prevent the spread of certain viruses, like MSBlaster
and Slammer.

Industry-leading performance for today’s
software
The revolutionary architecture of the AMD Athlon 64 processor enables industry-leading
performance to help maximize productivity and deliver a true-to-life digital
entertainment experience. HyperTransport™ technology can increase overall
system performance by removing I/O bottlenecks, increasing system bandwidth,
and reducing system latency. A fully integrated DDR memory controller helps
speed access to memory by offering the processor a direct connection to
the main memory. As a result, end users can enjoy quicker application loading,
better multi-tasking, and extraordinary application performance.

With 3DNow!™ Professional technology and support for SSE2,
the AMD Athlon 64 processor has more ways to accelerate multimedia applications,
enabling stellar performance when working with audio, video, and photography
software. For a superior experience with high-speed Internet, the AMD Athlon
64 processor combines high-speed memory access and I/O connectivity to help
ensure that end users can fully take advantage of a broadband connection
to streaming video and audio, and a riveting online gaming experience.

Ready for the 64-bit future
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is designed for people who want to stay at the
forefront of technology and for those who depend on their PCs to keep them
connected, informed, and entertained. Systems based on AMD Athlon 64 processors
are able to deliver leading-edge performance for demanding productivity
and entertainment software today and in the future.

With AMD64 technology, the AMD Athlon 64 processor is
fully compatible with existing software, while enabling a seamless transition
to upcoming 64-bit applications. Both 32- and 64-bit applications can run
simultaneously and transparently on the same platform. AMD64 technology
enables new, cinematic computing experiences and capabilities, in addition
to increased performance. AMD64 technology allows end users to take advantage
of new innovations such as real-time encryption, more life-like games, accurate
speech interfaces, cinema-quality graphic effects, and easy-to-use video
and audio editing.

The combination of these innovations and features provides
customers with performance they need along with tremendous flexibility.
Customers can experience outstanding performance running today’s applications
and prepare for the next generation of software without having to upgrade
or change hardware. For business customers, this extends system life cycles,
simplifies technology transition and reduces total cost of ownership.

Purchase with confidence
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the only industry standard x86 processor
with the ability to move beyond the limits of 32-bit computing. The AMD
Athlon 64 processor is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and tens of
thousands of PC applications that people around the world use every day.
The award-winning AMD Athlon XP processor won over 100 industry accolades
and was the first 1GHz PC processor. Now, the AMD Athlon 64 processor reaches
a new milestone by building a path to 64-bit computing for millions of PC
users.

Founded in 1969, AMD has shipped more than 240 million
PC processors worldwide. Customers can depend on the AMD Athlon 64 Processor
and AMD for compatibility and reliability. AMD processors undergo extensive
testing to ensure compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 98, Windows
ME, Windows NT, Windows 2000, as well as Linux and other PC operating systems.
AMD works collaboratively with Microsoft and other partners to achieve compatibility
of AMD processors and to expand the capability of software and hardware
products leveraging AMD64 technology. AMD conducts rigorous research, development,
and validation to help ensure the continued integrity and performance of
its products.